The Canadian federal government will now accept up to 25,000 sponsorship applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025. The change, outlined in a Ministerial Instruction published March 22 in the Canada Gazette, combines applications submitted in response to both the 2024 and 2025 intakes.

This comes after initial indications that 2025 would be a “pause year,” limited to 15,000 applications drawn entirely from the 2024 pool. On March 7, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) signalled a shift, confirming that new invitations would be issued in 2025, though no numerical cap was provided at the time.

As in previous years, invitations to apply will continue to be drawn exclusively from the 2020 pool of “interest to sponsor” submissions—a system that has remained closed to new entries for over four years. Canadian citizens and permanent residents who submitted a form in 2020 and have yet to receive an invitation remain eligible.

IRCC has not confirmed when invitations for the 2025 intake will be sent but has committed to releasing additional details in the coming months.

Limited Pathways for New Sponsors

This renewed reliance on the 2020 pool means that many families remain excluded—particularly those who became eligible after 2020 or who missed the narrow submission window that year. Despite continued demand, no new opportunity to express interest has been offered since then.

As of early February, IRCC estimated a 24-month processing time for PGP applications outside Quebec, and a 48-month timeline for applications destined for Quebec. The longer delay in Quebec reflects the province’s lower family-class admission quotas and the added step of obtaining a CSQ (Certificat de sélection du Québec).

IRCC has acknowledged that its intake planning must align with the broader Immigration Levels Plan, which was revised downward for 2025–2027. As a result, the number of new applications accepted each year remains tightly capped.

Super Visa Remains a Stopgap Option

For those unable to access the PGP, the Super Visa continues to provide a long-term visit pathway. Available to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians, the Super Visa allows stays of up to five years at a time, with multiple re-entries over a ten-year period.

Unlike the PGP, Super Visa holders are considered visitors. They must obtain private health insurance to cover their stay in Canada, though recent changes have eased some of those requirements, making the program slightly more accessible.

Still, for many families, a Super Visa is a temporary measure—not a replacement for permanent residence.

Looking Ahead

While the increased PGP cap is welcome news for those still waiting in the 2020 pool, the government’s approach continues to leave others without access to family reunification. Unless IRCC reopens the interest to sponsor system—or introduces a new round of expressions of interest—many eligible sponsors remain locked out.

For now, families are advised to monitor IRCC’s official updates for the 2025 intake window and prepare documentation in advance if they are still within the eligible pool. Those pursuing the Super Visa should review current insurance rules and consult an authorized immigration representative to ensure compliance.